How Do I Measure the Space Needed for a Folding Frame Clothesline?

Choosing a folding frame clothesline, from The Clothesline Store, can save you serious space—but only if it fits your wall, courtyard, or backyard properly. Whether you’re after a compact drying solution or a wide-frame clothesline with maximum line space, understanding how to measure for installation is crucial.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

In this guide, we’ll show you the details on how to measure your space for a folding frame clothesline, explain wall mounted vs ground mounted installation, and share expert tips to ensure the model you choose from The Clothesline Store fits perfectly.

📐 Introduction to Clothesline Measurement

Before browsing product pages or clicking add to cart, take a moment to measure your available space. This will ensure:

The fold down clothesline frame clears walls, fences, or paths
You maximise your line space for drying efficiency
You choose the right installation type (wall or ground mounted)

You avoid return hassles or incorrect sizing
Measure folding frame clothesline space before you purchase

There’s more to measuring than just grabbing a tape measure—so let’s break it down.

🧺 Types of Clotheslines & Why It Matters

Understanding the type of clothesline you're installing affects what and how you measure:

✅ Folding Frame Clotheslines (Fold Down)

Great for small spaces
Fold flat when not in use

Can be wall mounted or ground mounted
Come in a variety of widths and depths

✅ Rotary Clothesline

Fixed or folding heads that rotate

Ideal for large yards
Requires centralised ground space and a ground socket (folding models)

✅ Retractable Clotheslines

Pull-out style with adjustable line length

Compact when not in use
Perfect for side passages, decks, or indoor laundry rooms

In this guide, we’re focusing on folding frame clotheslines—ideal for modern homes, tight courtyards, and outdoor walls.

👉 Browse Folding Frame Clotheslines at The Clothesline Store

📏 How to Measure Your Space for a Fold Down Clothesline

Measure Wall Width

Use a tape measure to determine the total width available on the wall or fence at your location where you plan to mount the clothesline. Keep in mind:

Clothesline widths range from 1200mm to 3390mm depending on the model
You need a flat, stable surface to mount the brackets
Leave at least 30–50mm clearance on each side to allow for folding and operation

💡 Pro tip: If mounting between two posts or walls, measure between the inside edges to determine the maximum allowable frame width.

Measure Available Depth (Projection from Wall)

The depth is how far the fold down clothesline will extend outwards from the wall when open. Popular options include:

600mm – best for narrow walkways
940mm – a balanced mid-size option
1200mm or 1500mm – ideal for full family drying loads

Ensure that no obstacles like doors, fences, air conditioners, or garden features will interfere.

👉 Browse Folding Frame Clotheslines at The Clothesline Store

Check the Height

Mounting height is often overlooked but critical. We recommend:

Mounting at shoulder height or higher for comfortable access
Ensuring that line tension stays firm and laundry doesn’t drag on the ground
Leaving space beneath for bins, BBQs, or foot traffic if necessary

🌳 Ground Mounting vs Wall Mounted

Once you’ve measured, decide how to install the fold down clothesline. Your choice will depend on available walls, soil type, and layout.

🔧 Wall Mounted Folding Frame Clotheslines

Attach directly to brick, concrete, or weatherboard wall
Most convenient for homes with spare outdoor wall space
Requires minimal tools (drill, level, fixings included)
Choose a frame that fits your wall width and allows for at least 600mm projection

🛠️ Ground Mounted Folding Frame Clotheslines

Installed into soil, grass, or concrete
Purchase a ground mount kit when ordering your fold down line
Perfect for freestanding installations away from structures
May require core drilling and concrete footings in soft soil or sloped yards

👉 Browse Folding Frame Clotheslines at The Clothesline Store

🌤️ Environmental Considerations

A well-positioned clothesline, meeting the right specifications, will dry clothes faster and extend your washing’s life. Consider:

Sunlight – place the clothesline in a north-facing spot for year-round sun
Wind – airflow speeds up drying but avoid harsh winds that could tangle clothes
Shade – avoid full-shade areas unless drying delicates or protecting clothing colours
Distance to Laundry Room – minimise steps between the machine and line

❌ What to Avoid When Measuring

🚫 Assuming it fits: Always measure—not all “standard” clotheslines fit all homes

🚫 Ignoring obstructions: Check for hot water units, pipes, power points, or garden taps

🚫 Poor line height: Too low and clothes will drag; too high and they’re hard to reach

🚫 Installing into unstable fences or walls: Timber and colorbond fences, some weatherboard or rendered walls may require spacers or reinforced brackets.

🛒 Choosing the Right Model for Your Space

Here’s a guide to help match your space with the right fold down clothesline:

Space Width (Wall or Ground)	Ideal Clothesline Width	Line Space (approx.)	Notes
1.5–1.8m	1500–1800mm	12–20m	Small courtyards, unit balconies
2.1–2.4m	2100–2400mm	24–30m	Most suburban backyards
2.7–3.3m	2700–3300mm	30–36m+	Larger families, full loads

Need a custom width or depth? Air Dry folding frame clotheslines can be tailored to your exact requirements.

⚠️ Safety & Maintenance Tips

Follow manufacturer’s installation instructions carefully
Wear gloves and eye protection when drilling or mixing concrete
Check for overhead power lines before installing tall frames
Inspect regularly for rust, worn lines, or loose brackets
Clean lines with a damp cloth monthly to prevent grime buildup

🔁 Maximising Drying Efficiency

Hang heavier clothes on outer lines and lighter items on inner lines
Use clothes pegs for windy days
Avoid overloading one side to prevent tipping (if ground mounted)
Consider adding a second frame if you regularly wash large loads
Fold down when not in use to extend the life of the frame and lines

Professional Clothesline Installation

The Clothesline Store offers a convenient professional installation service for a wide range of outdoor clotheslines, including folding, rotary, and wall-mounted clotheslines, fold down ground mount kit. Available in most capital cities and regional areas across Australia, our service ensures your new clothesline is installed quickly, safely, and to manufacturer standards.

Whether you’re replacing an old unit or setting up a brand new one, our experienced installers handle the setup with care—so you can enjoy fresh air drying without the hassle. This service is ideal for anyone looking for a stress-free clothesline solution with lasting results.

The Clothesline Store installation service is only available when purchasing a new outdoor clothes line via our web store or via our customer service team.

Learn More About Installation

Why Choose The Clothesline Store

Choosing The Clothesline Store means you get helpful customer support, competitive price options, and expert advice to find the perfect clothesline for your home.

The Clothesline Store Free Delivery Shipped Direct from our Warehouse

We offer a wide range of quality models, including the trusted clothes hoist, all backed by fast, reliable delivery. Every order is shipped directly from our clothesline warehouse to you, ensuring quick dispatch, to ensure it is delivered to as quickly as possible by our trusted courier partners.

With a focus on value, convenience, and service, The Clothesline Store is your go-to destination for clotheslines that are built to last and ready to use.

Shop With Us

✅ Conclusion: Measure First, Install Once

Choosing a folding frame clothesline is an easy way to create a space-saving, efficient laundry solution, but it all starts with accurate measurement. By checking your wall width, available depth, height, and surroundings, you’ll be able to select the right model, mount it securely, and enjoy years of easy clothes drying.

From Air Dry custom folding frames to classic Hills fold downs, The Clothesline Store offers the right size, colour, and line space to fit your home—plus free delivery Australia-wide and expert advice if you need help choosing.